FED-UP residents have been told their views on the noise from a motocross racing track near their homes are "irrelevant".

People living in Tockholes and Feniscowles gathered to hear evidence on the first day of a public inquiry yesterday to decide whether motocross can remain on the land.

Noise concerns are unlikely to be aired at the hearing. Chairman David Brier, an independent chartered planner, said his job would be to decide whether the site was lawful and that the pros and cons of it were irrelevant.

The inquiry was called for after Blackburn with Darwen Council refused permission for a "lawful development certificate" in March this year. The certificate would have meant the track, at Shaws Farm, could be used for motorcycling.

The refusal was based largely on written evidence from local residents who said the track had rarely been used before a new owner took it over in 2001.

This led to the consequent appeal by Champ North West, which owns the track, against the decision, and to the inquiry.

Owner Peter Gambos said the activities were safe and popular and had been held for many years without a problem and therefore should be allowed to continue.

Blackburn with Darwen Council urged the appeal to be dismissed.

Council solicitor Colin Crawford said the track was temporary and so could only legally be used for 14 days a year for organised events and associated training, and for 28 days a year for general use.

He said after Mr Gambos bought the track the use exceeded this level, and so the lawful development certificate was revoked.

But Champ North West solicitor, Matthew Copeland, argued the council had lost its right to take action to close the track because the track has been operating for more than 10 years.

He said: "The use of the site for motocross has become lawful as the time for making enforcement action has expired."

The inquiry is due to last until tomorrow.